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Navy 'returning asylum seekers to Vietnam'

Authorities are believed to be returning 50 asylum seekers to Vietnam aboard HMAS Choules.

Supplied image of HMAS Choules in 2013 (AAP Image/Australian Department of Defence)

Supplied image of HMAS Choules in 2013 (AAP Image/Australian Department of Defence)

An Australian navy ship is reportedly moored off the coast of Vietnam as part of a secret operation to return 50 asylum seekers.

Authorities intercepted the boat earlier in April, north of Australia, The West Australian reports.

It's believed a week-long voyage to return the asylum seekers to Vietnam aboard HMAS Choules could cost at least $1.4 million, based on Defence estimates of a daily running cost of $201,621.

A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Peter Dutton declined to comment citing "operational matters".


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